No matter how good people’s intentions are, life has a way of tossing a monkey wrench into our plans, causing things to fall apart. 

When these things happen, it’s usually the bottom of the totem pole who suffer most. In many of the cases where I’m involved, that would be family pet or pets.

Seven years ago, I submitted an article titled “Whose fault is it?” and I’m proud to say it won an award in 2014 as the No. 1 column in North Carolina for local papers. More importantly, it explains how many of these animals become Lennie’s kids, through no fault of their own.

Each week, I’ve been telling about rescuers from my rescue rally. This week, I’ll be featuring Verna Wilkins, from Forever Dream senior dog sanctuary.

I can’t give enough praise to this lady, who does God’s work. There’s a special place in heaven for someone who opens up their home and their hearts for the old timers. 

As we speak, Verna is caring for 35 dogs at her sanctuary, one of which is Scruffy, a little 16-year-old I promised to help.

Verna just left my home with a very large check, and I got to meet Scruffy, who wouldn’t stop wagging his tail as I loved him up. Someone must have told him about Uncle Lennie’s customary kiss between the eyes, for he licked my nose as I leaned in to administer it.

The pledge to help Scruffy was made weeks ago, and was not the reason for Verna’s visit or this tale.

Around 14 years ago, a Chihuahua mix was adopted at 8 weeks old. The young teenager who adopted him was told he was a Chihuahua/Boxer mix, thus the little guy was named Boxer.  Before we go any further, Boxer is more than likely a Feist mix, but he still retains the noble name.

Boxer has been cared for and loved for many years, and is now 14 years old. A child is now in the family, and the young lady cannot handle Boxer and some other problems. 

Please do not think badly of this lady. There is much more than I care to divulge, but let’s just say poor Boxer fell into the perfect storm.  All those around him cared, but he was at the bottom of the totem pole.

Though he doesn’t show it at all, Boxer has many problems. First is his teeth, which were scheduled to be cared for on Wednesday. I’m hoping any of his other internal problems stem from his teeth problem, but I’ve ordered whatever X-rays and tests to find out for sure.   

He has been at Landrum vet for two weeks, and it’s heartbreaking to see him in a cage. 

He missed his momma, but is coming around. He especially loves his new baby food diet. 

Our first goal was to get him back home, but that just can’t be. Verna has agreed to make room for him, and maybe we’ll get him well and readopted.

In the meantime, please keep him and all the discarded old timers in your prayers.

Thanks for listening.